PLAINVIEW – Wayland Baptist University graduate and longtime employee Dr. Bobby Hall was named Vice President for Academic and Graduate Studies for the university on Thursday, with his duties to begin Sept. 12.Hall, who presently serves as assistant executive vice president and director of the institutional research and effectiveness program at Wayland, replaces Dr. Glenn Saul, who is stepping down to return to the classroom. Saul came to the vice presidency from the position as dean for Wayland’s Phoenix campus and previously the Sierra Vista, Ariz., campus. He plans to return to Phoenix as professor of religion.

In his new role, Hall will be overseeing academic programs across the Wayland system as well as continuing the institutional research and effectiveness work he has previously done. With an extensive background in accreditation issues and as the university’s liaison with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Hall will continue to be involved in preparing the university for the reaffirmation visit scheduled for 2008.

“We had a great group of applicants, and Dr. Hall was chosen because of his varied background and experiences throughout the Wayland system,” said Dr. Bill Hardage, executive vice president and a member of the search committee. “He has worked at every level of the institution. He has a strong knowledge of the accreditation process and a clear vision for where the institution needs to go in the next 10 years.”

Hardage called Hall “a welcome addition to the administrative team,” a feeling expressed by other leaders as well.

“It is genuinely a pleasure to welcome Dr. Bobby Hall to the senior administrative team at Wayland. His history at the school, his professional skills and expertise as well as his obvious love for the university make him a wonderful choice for the vice president’s position,” said Dr. Paul Armes, WBU president. “While we will miss Dr. Glenn Saul as he moves to Arizona, I believe the future is bright for our academic program under Dr. Hall’s capable leadership.”

Hall first came to Wayland in 1982, working as the Sports Information Director and overseeing the photography lab. Over the years, his jobs have included PR director, and executive director over PR, alumni services and other functions. Since the mid-1980s, Hall has also been a faculty member in the Division of Business and he still holds the rank of associate professor of business administration. He founded the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness in 1994 and shared that role with teaching responsibilities until beginning his new role when the spring semester began in January.

Hall and wife Laurie, who owns Laurie’s Custom Framing in Lockney, have two children: Alexis, a senior at Lockney High School, and Lucas, a freshman.